Vernon Melvin Collins, son of the late Samuel and Viola Collins, was born in Elkridge, Maryland on April 18, 1932. He departed this life on February 27, after a lengthy illness. He received his education in the Elkridge, Howard County and Baltimore City Public Schools Systems. He served in the United States Army and completed his service with an honorable discharge after three years in World War II. Vernon who thought he was the father of the entire family and will be missed by all. He loved his family. four brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Raymond, William, Charles, James and Corina. One brother-in-law, Willie Davis of Chicago and one daughter, Brenda preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Ella, of Chicago, Illinois, Margaret of Baltimore, one sister sister-in-law, Dorthy of Charles County, Maryland, four sons Vernon Bey Brother, Ralph, Jeffrey and Craig; three daughters Patricia, April and Robin; nineteen grandkids; twenty-six great-grands, one great-great-grand and a host of nieces and nephews and family friends.